The CQ Climate Action Working Group (CAWG) was formed in late 2021 to address our shared concern for the welfare of our earthly home. During its first year, CAWG focused on supporting Meetings in the development of disaster preparation plans which would promote resilience in facing extreme weather events. The workshops and materials may be accessed here.
In 2023, CAWG hosted programs to increase knowledge about, and access to, concrete, tangible steps Friends’ organizations can take in the areas of policy and practices related to stewardship. In the spring of 2023 the focus was on how to increase biodiversity and reduce toxins in Friends properties.
https://youtu.be/NHozYdJYQPM?si=vbqkxap37HLbSzzb
https://youtu.be/-e1X3gCjKXI?si=UCMdKOEuJkja5zQN
https://youtu.be/iHYjtG286a0?si=2nOyp09y75gbe1vd
The fall series focused on the reduction of carbon emissions. Four sessions were held to assist Friends institutions to take advantage of new policies which allow non-profits access to rebates and subsidies. Workshops covered renewable energy in our buildings with a focus on solar feasibility studies, EV charging stations, lowering commercial electric rates and transitioning HVAC systems away from fossil fuels.
At the October Quarterly Meeting, the Climate Action Working Group was laid down as no one was able to step forward to lead the group. We encourage all Concord Quarter members and attenders to sign up to get climate related information from these two other Quaker organizations.
Eco-Justice Collaborative of PYM https://www.pym.org/eco-justice-collaborative/
This collaborative hosts workshops and engages Meetings on climate, race and justice issues. Sign up for their monthly newsletter for updates on PYM Meetings' activities, workshops and other helpful resources. Contact Ruth Darlington rdarlington49@gmail.com to receive the newsletter.
Quaker Action Mid-Atlantic Region -Friends from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting have formed a new lobbying organization to advocate for tackling climate change at the state and regional levels. Quaker Action in the Mid-Atlantic Region (QAMAR) is a 501(c)(4) group seeks to communicate to elected officials the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and funding conversion to clean energy. https://www.quakeract.org/
-Paula Kline – Westtown Meeting